Picture: Drew on Christmas Morning 1956

An angel named Clarence gave George Bailey a glimpse of how his life had affected others in the 1946 classic Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life. No angels have given me that opportunity. Still, I think coming to a deeper appreciation of God’s wonderful gift of life is a key to living a more-than-ordinary life.

Without intervention of an angel, how are we to increase our appreciation of God’s gift? Our own memories can remind us that It’s a Wonderful Life. Christmas time seems to bring the most poignant memories. Lifestyle experts encourage us to accumulate memories of experiences not possessions. This Christmas Kit and I are going to deliberately re-enjoy Christmases past. We’re going to thank God for the experiences and people in our lives then.

Even difficulties experienced during Christmases can remind us of the richness of life. Regretting that we can’t do the things, go the places, or enjoy the same relationships is living in the past and not healthy. Living in the past hampers us from making the most of our current life. Rather rejoicing that we did do those things, go those places, and enjoy those relationships can help us to appreciate God’s gift.

I’d like to ask you to join us by rejoicing in your own memories. We’ve already started by reviewing photo albums. Between now and Christmas we’ll be posting on Facebook and Instagram photos of Christmases past. If you haven’t already, please follow us on the links at the bottom of this page.

Drew